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Books Quote by Vladimir Nabokov

“A first-rate college library with a comfortable campus around it is a fine milieu for a writer. There is, of course, the problem of educating the young. I remember how once, between terms, not at Cornell, a student brought a transistor set with him into the reading room. He managed to state that…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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““A first-rate college library with a comfortable campus around it is a fine milieu for a writer. There is, of course, the problem of educating the young. I remember how once, between terms, not at Cornell, a student brought a transistor set with him into the reading room. He managed to state that one, he was playing “classical” music; that two, he was doing it “softly”; and that three, “there were not many readers around in summer.” I was there, a one-man multitude.””

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview with The Paris Review, 1962

A well‑stocked library and campus create an ideal setting for writers, but also pose challenges in teaching youth.

In simple terms: A good library helps writers, yet teaching youth is tricky.

Key Takeaway

Balance nurturing creativity with education.

Themes

education creativity library teaching

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • University life
  • writing workshops
  • student mentorship

Key Concepts

Literature Pedagogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we use library resources to better engage students?
  • What responsibilities do writers have to educate?
A Different Perspective

A library alone cannot replace active teaching.

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